KR EN

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Ocean: The Pulse of Our Planet

HOME

chevron_right

CALL FOR ENTRIES

chevron_right

Submission Guidelines

Submission Guidelines

Submission Open Now!

In partnership with Korea Ocean Business Corporation,
we invite creative works that offer fresh vision on the ocean and the questions it inspires.

Call for Entries

  • Submission Period | February 13 – March 31, 2026
  • Deadline | March 15, 11:59:59 PM (KST)
  • Eligibility | We welcome submissions from filmmakers worldwide. The competition is open to both domestic (Korean) and international applicants with a passion for the ocean or maritime-themed cinema.
  • Theme | Open Theme - While we celebrate all creative visions, we encourage works that explore or relate to the sea and maritime culture.
  • How to Apply | All entries must be submitted digitally via the official festival website.
  • Entry Fee | Free* There are no submission or processing fees at any stage of the application.
  • Selection Notification | Finalists will be notified individually via email. (Scheduled for mid April 2026)

Submission Guidelines

1. Distribution Support

  • Marine-themed films produced in Korea and abroad will be discovered and screened in the [Open Call Selection] section of the 2026 Korea International Ocean Film Festival.

2. Eligibility

  • Release Date: Works must be previously unreleased or have premiered within two years of the announcement date.
  • Genres: All genres
  • Running time: * Films are classified as Features (40 minutes or more) or Shorts (under 40 minutes).
  • Production Support A: Script Development & Production
  • Original scripts for feature films, short films, or documentaries with marine-related themes
  • Requirement: Selected scripts must be developed into a final draft suitable for potential production and showcase at the 2027 KIOFF

3. Production Support B: Post-Production

  • Editing, CGI, or any other post-production for marine-related films that have already been filmed.
  • Requirement: Finished films must be submitted and ready for screening at the 2026 KIOFF

Grants and Awards

Awards

  • Screening Support Call: total award fund of KRW 10,000,000
  • Production Support A (Screenplay Development): total award fund of KRW 20,000,000 (up to three projects)
  • Production Support B (Post-Production Support): total award fund of KRW 10,000,000 (up to two projects)

Benefits for Selected Projects

  • Official Selection status at the International Ocean Film Festival
  • Festival invitation, public screening during the festival period, and participation in Q&A sessions
  • Access to networking opportunities with filmmakers and industry professionals from Korea and internationally

How to Apply

Official Website → SUBMIT → Filled in Application Form.

Selection Procedure

Review Period

  • March–April 2026

Selection Process

  • Phase 1: Eligibility & Technical Review All submissions undergo an initial screening to ensure compliance with festival requirements and applicant eligibility.
  • Phase 2: Jury Deliberation Finalists are evaluated by the Festival Selection Committee and guest jurors to determine the official program.

Disqualification Policy

  • The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission under the following circumstances:
  • Inaccurate Information: Provision of incomplete, false, or misleading data during the application process.
  • Rights & Intellectual Property: Submissions involved in plagiarism or legal disputes regarding copyright, trademarks, or publicity rights.
  • Duplicate Entries: Submission of multiple entries for a single project.
  • Code of Conduct: Engagement in behavior that undermines the Festival’s reputation or provokes significant public controversy.
  • Communication Failures: Failure to respond to official inquiries within 60 hours or following two (2) contact attempts.

Schedule

  • Submissions Open

    Feb 13 – Mar 15

  • Film Review

    Mar 16 – Mar 25

  • Screening Selection

    Mar 25 – Apr 24

  • Final Announcement

    End of April

  • Award Ceremony

    Jun 18 (at the Opening Ceremony)

Submission Guidelines

  • The applicant is solely responsible for all copyright and portrait rights related to the submitted work. In the event of any legal disputes, the selection may be canceled and the grant may be retrieved.
  • Selection may be revoked if the applicant fails to respond to requests from the festival, submits false information, or if legal issues arise.
  • films may be used free of charge for festival promotions and on official channels (website, YouTube, social media, press releases, publications, promotional videos, etc.), and may be edited if necessary.
  • Applicants of selected films must actively cooperate with projects requested by the festival as needed.
  • Further details and guidelines are subject to the festival's regulations. Please refer to the official rules for more information.
Submission Rules

Contact

* The festival may update the call-for-entry details; please check for any revised notices.